Providing recommendations for implementing virtual networks

Abstract

Some embodiments provide a novel method for deploying different virtual networks over several public cloud datacenters for different entities. For each entity, the method (1) identifies a set of public cloud datacenters of one or more public cloud providers to connect a set of machines of the entity, (2) deploys managed forwarding nodes (MFNs) for the entity in the identified set of public cloud datacenters, and then (3) configures the MFNs to implement a virtual network that connects the entity's set of machines across its identified set of public cloud datacenters. In some embodiments, the method identifies the set of public cloud datacenters for an entity by receiving input from the entity's network administrator. In some embodiments, this input specifies the public cloud providers to use and / or the public cloud regions in which the virtual network should be defined. Conjunctively, or alternatively, this input in some embodiments specifies actual public cloud datacenters to use.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]Today, a corporate enterprise network is the communication backbone that securely connects the different offices and divisions of a corporation. This network is typically a wide area network (WAN) that connects (1) users in branch offices and regional campuses, (2) corporate datacenters that host business applications, Intranets and their corresponding data, and (3) the global Internet through corporate firewalls and DMZ (demilitarized zone). Enterprise networks include specialized hardware such as switches, routers and middlebox appliances interconnected by expensive leased lines, such as Frame Relay and MPLS (multiprotocol label switching).[0002]In the last several years, there has been a paradigm shift in the way corporations serve and consume communication services. First, the mobility revolution has allowed users to access services from any place at any time using mobile devices, mostly smart phones. Such users access the business services through public Interne...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system for creating a virtual network over multiple public clouds using a centralized controller cluster. The controllers are located in different datacenters to improve reliability. The system can adjust the number of public cloud components and the allocation of resources to create the virtual network. The method uses measurements to search for the best paths based on different criteria set by different entities, such as minimizing message delay or loss and jitter. Each entity can also customize its path search operations to optimize specific criteria.

Problems solved by technology

This means that the majority of the corporate traffic is carried over both expensive leased lines and the consumer Internet.

As a consumer-centric service, the Internet itself is a poor medium for business traffic.

It lacks the reliability, QoS (quality of service) guarantees and security expected by critical business applications.

Moreover, the ever-increasing consumer traffic demands, net-neutrality regulations and the creation of Internet bypasses by major players (e.g., Netflix, Google, public clouds) have lowered the monetary return per traffic unit.

These trends have reduced the incentives of service providers to quickly catch up with the consumer demands and offer adequate business services.

Each public cloud provider has interconnected its own datacenters by using expensive high-speed networks that employ dark fiber and undersea cables deployed by submarines.

As users become mobile and applications migrate to SaaS and public clouds, corporate WANs become costly detours that slow down all corporate communications.

Alternate secure solutions that send this traffic through the Internet are not adequate because of their poor and unreliable performance.

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